The Ghana Police Service, in a joint operation with the Cyber Security Authority (Ghana) and National Security (Ghana), has arrested a suspect over alleged defilement and the production and possession of child sexual abuse materials.

The suspect, identified as Ebenezer Conduah, 45, is the lead pastor of Mahanaim Christian Center located in Ankaful near Cape Coast in the Central Region.

According to police, the arrest was carried out on March 6, 2026, at Woraba, a suburb of Eguase in Cape Coast, following a joint intelligence-led operation.

Allegations of abuse

Preliminary investigations indicate that in August 2021, the suspect allegedly lured a 13-year-old Junior High School student to his residence under the pretext of providing spiritual counselling and behavioural guidance.

Police say the victim was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of time.

Investigators further revealed that the suspect allegedly recorded the abuse on his mobile phone and in some instances forced the victim to appear on camera referencing an adult pornographic website, with the apparent intention of distributing the content online.

Case reported by school

The alleged abuse came to light after the survivor confided in her school headmistress, who subsequently reported the matter to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Cape Coast.

The complaint triggered investigations that led to the suspect’s arrest.

Electronic devices seized

Police said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence resulted in the retrieval of several electronic devices believed to contain evidence.

Items recovered include an HP laptop, three external hard drives, five pen drives, an Android mobile phone, and a tablet, along with other exhibits.

Authorities say the devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis.

Court proceedings

The suspect has since been remanded into prison custody and is expected to **reappear before court on March 27, 20